This is my first Castle related fanfiction, and I hope I can pull it off well!

I do not own these characters, although it would be a nice present...

Kate Beckett finally had a day off. The sun was shining, the air had a hint of spring through it, and all the snow had finally melted off the busy streets. She stared out the window, watching the sun slowly make its way up the sky, and wondered what to do with such a wonderful day. A full day free of murders, blood, and sadness. Of Castle.

She sighed. Couldn't she have one to herself? Peace and quiet, that's what she truly needed. A day free of Castle and his annoying….. hell, his cute antics. She groaned and spun on her heel away from the window and walked to her bedroom. She threw her sea green robe to the floor and tossed the oversized white shirt next to it. She stood in her electric blue underwear in front of her closet. She grabbed a loose white tank top and dark skinny jeans and dressed quickly. She threw on boots and a leather jacket before heading out the door.

The breeze whipped around her face as she stepped out into the street. Central Park was not too far away, and she could use more exercise than what she was getting. By the time she had reached the park, her hunger had risen so that it could not be ignored anymore. She grabbed a sandwich from a little deli and made her way near the heart of the park.

A small bench rested underneath a huge tree and Kate sat down. She sighed, finally content with her life. She pulled out an old paperback novel and cracked the spine. She took a huge bite of her sandwich and settled back against the bench.

She heard people walk by her, either talking or running. Hours passed as she read on, ignoring the world.

Her peace was broken.

"Beckett?"

She flinched and rolled her neck. Kate turned her head towards the path and groaned inwardly as the voice matched the face.

"Castle. What are you doing here?" She hid the small smile that was tugging at her lips.

"Well I was just going for a walk. The day is beautiful and my writing block has been killing me lately." He grinned at her, making her heart melt a bit. "What are you doing here Kate?"

"I was trying to read. Finally having a day off is fantastic, but it seems like you have interrupted my plans." Her voice had a slight softness about it, which did not go unnoticed by Castle. He looked at her questioningly for a second then sat down next to her. He gently took the book out of her hands and placed it in her purse. Her sandwich laid on her other side, unnoticed. Their eyes met and she sucked in a breath.

He grabbed her hand and her purse. Her fingers curled around his and he smiled.

The moment was broken when he jumped up and pulled her roughly to her feet.

"Come on Beckett! WE have a free day! Let's celebrate!" He grinned at her like a little kid and Kate could not say no to him.

With a massive roll of her eyes she said,"Well, Mr. Castle, what did you have in mind?"